Happy ?? Holidays.

It's been a little rough around here lately. I've been struggling; Noah's been struggling; we've been struggling to like each other all day long. We dealt with some major jet lag for at least 6 days after our return to NC. Right after Noah started sleeping through the night again, he stopped napping. UGH! If there is one thing I cannot muster through it's a no nap day. Noah has never been a good napper and if he doesn't nap no one in the S household is happy- NO ONE.
 
I take Noah not napping very personally. It's anyone's fault but Noah's. For more than a year of his life, I was convinced the reason he didn't nap was because the front door opened too loudly, the Editor walked up the stairs too heavily, I didn't bounce him on the God-forsaken exercise ball long enough, I turned to the left instead of the right when I put him in the crib. Now I pretty much know he doesn't nap because he needs to take care of some bathroom business that he likes to do in his crib. (Potty training is still going well- an accident every 7-14 days but we are not nap or sleep trained... because we haven't even begun to go there yet.)
 
I want the Holidays to be fun and jolly and for us to do fun things together. But when Noah hasn't napped in 6 days he doesn't like me, I don't like him and we are both misbehaving and it's not fun. I've felt like the fun things I've planned go unappreciated (hmm... by a two year old- do they appreciate?). It's not fair to anyone.
 
So I've been trying to set up some fun activities in the morning before we can both go off the deep end.
 

Fingerprint Candy Cane & Reindeer Feet (courtesy of Pinterest)

I have to include some throw back photos just because I love looking back at my little boy.

 

Last year we made salt dough ornaments.

Salt dough doesn't taste good...

We actually decorated salt dough magnets at a JCC Hanukkah function this year too; but Tucker ate them (anyone remember my post on how Noah & Tucker are very similar, yup I still stand by that).

 

This year we made cinnamon ornaments.

Noah wanted to wear an apron, just like Momma. He was so excited.

excited face

And our finished products. We haven't painted them yet, but I think we will some morning soon.

And for the record, Noah did nap today and yesterday! I think we've hit either 5 or 6 naps for the month of December now and we can have a pleasant afternoon.
 
Salt Dough Recipe
 
Cinnamon Dough Recipe
The cinnamon ornaments are more fragile than the salt dough. A few of mine broke before I could get them off the pan. I also had a hard time making holes for the ribbon with the cinnamon ones so I bought some magnets to put on the back. But I found the cinnamon dough easier to work with initially. It's more fun to use applesauce and to shake in the cinnamon.
 

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

This week has been busy.  And as with most weeks, there was the good, the bad, and the even worse.  

Two goods this week though:   A few weeks ago I was working on a Shutterfly Photo Book for Noah's second year.  Literally from his first birthday to his second birthday.  I spent a lot of time on it; like close to 30 hours.  And I spent a lot of time whining about it; like probably 30 hours (Here & Here again).  I got an email saying it was going to arrive sometime between today (Saturday) and Thursday but it came yesterday! And it looks amazing.  It looks exactly like it did on the computer, the fonts, colors, photos, sizes.  I worried that after putting in so much time that I would be disappointed.  But I'm not.  I love it.  I'm glad I did it and stuck with it after I nearly quite 100 times.  Though I should probably start working on Noah's 3rd year now...

The other good:  I ran a 5K this morning.  I haven't run a race since The 4 on the 4th race on... the 4th of July.  I've been running regularly (September runs) and running with Noah in the stroller since it's nicer out during the day and darker out when he goes to bed.  But since the American Tobacco Trail is closed, I'm having to run a tougher course (my hilly 'hood) with a 28.1lb toddler and a 25lb stroller.  My runs have been over 10 minute miles crossing the 11 minute mile mark! So a few weeks ago I was supposed to run a 5k and I totally backed out when I found out it started at 8am. This morning, I woke up at 4am to a crazy thunder storm, open windows, and a barking dog.  But I've only run 4 races where it hasn't rained, today's race started at 9am, and it's literally 8 minutes from my house.  Systems were a go!  The temperature outside when we started was actually pretty good, mid 60s but it was pouring about 3 minutes before we started. It rained off and on during the race, but only poured again once.  The temperature did continue to rise so it was warmer by the end.  I didn't really look at the course map before the race (I don't look at restaurant menus either) and didn't realize the race starts and ends in a weird spot, at least a quarter mile away from where the Editor and Noah were waiting for me to finish.  So I knew I had to save some energy to actually walk to the car.  I had no idea what my time would be, considering my training times were so high.  But I was happy with my time; really happy actually.  I finished 27:50 which is a minute slower than my fastest 5K time ever (Eve Carson Nov. 2011 26:53).  This is the first time I haven't improved my time from my last race, but it's been 11months so that's okay with me!

The Bad:  I didn't finish my book club book.  Nightwoods by Charles Frazier.  I know this isn't a big deal to most people, but it was really embarrassing to me.  I always finish even if I hate the book. I had 'READ" on my to-do list every single day for a week.  And I was hosting!  My book clubbers were surprised too.  One even said, "I would have thought you finished this book in an hour because it only took me a day!"  Frazier's writing style is hard for me to speed read my way through.  I'm not sure if I'll finish it or not.  I know all the details, and I got it electronically from the library (it's already expired, I just haven't turned my wi-fi back on yet) so I'm thinking I'll just let it go... I'm almost ashamed; more embarrassed and really disappointed in myself.

The Ugly:  As I was getting into the car  to go to the 5K this morning, I dropped a Nutragrain bar from my handbag and then another thud. I dropped my iPhone; 391 days after I got it.  In it's Otterbox Commuter case that had a piece break off of it about a month ago.   So the screen shattered into the craziest spider web I've ever seen.  Noah quickly caught wind of what was happening and said, "Oh NO! Mommy's phone is broken.  Mommy fix it!"  I tend to be the fixer of things in our house.  He said it so tearfully it was both sad and cute.  I'm not sure why it was so upsetting to him.  So if anyone is selling their AT&T iPhone 4 as they upgrade to a 5- let me know!  I'll buy it from you.   That's my plan I guess.  The Editor talked to the AT&T people and they advised buy a used one or wait until April when I get a new one.  Maybe this will help me un-plug a bit but it's really annoying!

Birthday Cards

Friday, we had a lazy, cloudy, rainy day.  While I pretended to be chic with my Friday Fashion link up with The Brunette Bride, I was actually unshowered, wearing (faded) black yoga pants and a grey hooded henley.  It felt like a weekend day much in part to the Husband being downstairs midday to watch the ACC tourney.  Since I was in scrubby clothes, we embarked on an art project for my mom's birthday- A Handprint Flower Card.  The idea is not original, it's all over Pinterest; most recently I've seen it HERE.

I set up all the supplies, which sometimes takes longer than the actual project.

I let Noah do a little free style painting on his own, since I was going to be doing some directing for the actual card.

Then I got Noah's handprint and indulged my creative side to complete the look.  Can't you tell we are true artists?

It turned out cute!  We've never done any handprinting with Noah so I was glad to have a little bitty baby (err 19 month old) hand print.  Originally I was just going to mail the actual art out to my mom, but after thinking about it some more I headed over to Snapfish to see if I could make a birthday card.   I edited my photo and uploaded it along with some others to create my card. 

I used this photo as the front of the card.  I was pretty happy with the choices on Snapfish.  You can add a border and there were several inside layouts to chose from.  I was able to get three photos on the inside left, and our note on the inside right.  On the back I put one last photo along with the date of our art project.  My only problem is that there are only 3 mailing days left until my mom's birthday so I have to send the card to her directly.  What I really wanted is for the card to arrive in the mail in a regular envelope straight from Snapfish.  Maybe in my naptime haste to get the project completed somewhat timely I missed it (& yes, Noah took a 3 hour nap on Friday!).   I couldn't find a 'send as a gift' option for cards either so this will arrive in package form along with the receipt.  Oops!  And the cost for sending one personalized art project card- under $4.00 including the shipping and tax.

Painting

Finished Valentine's Day cards

Can I just say that I am the least crafy person ever.  That's why I'm addicted to Pinterest because I just just copy someone else's idea.  So I let Noah paint yesterday for a Valentine's Day project.  Toilet Paper Roll Heart Stamps was quickly repinned when I saw it and on our weekly Target trip I bought all the supplies (white cards with envelopes, washable finger paints, paint brushes).  I had yet to let Noah play with paint and those of you who know me know why- MESS.     Noah's cards will be going in the mail this week along with a few photos of Noah creating his Valentine's to his grandmas and aunts.

The smile says successful project!

And it was not messy!

Investigating how he's making the hearts

More!

 And he only ate  a little bit of paint.

 I see the potential for a mess coming.  Project declared Complete!

Peanut Butter Yogurt & fruit

 When I declared paint time over, Noah got a little upset.  What better time to distract with a snack?   Peanut Butter Yogurt This was very easy to make. Equal parts yogurt (I used plain) and peanut butter and I did use sugar but I don't think you'd have to. (In fact, I won't  next time because guess who didn't nap yesterday...)
I threw it together when I was cleaning up the kitchen one night.  I don't like peanut butter or yogurt, but the Husband liked it and so did Noah.  Pintastic!

And Noah would not be my son if he didn't have just as much fun cleaning up his mess as he did creating it...

Early Valentine's Day

Every week Noah & I get together with a group of 4 or 5 similar aged kids and moms.  We rotate hosting, which means that these ladies and babies get to be my Pinterest guinea pigs and this week was no exception.  For the little ones snacks I decided on cheese cut into hearts, fruit- grapes, strawberries, bananas, and apple hearts- with strawberry yogurt for dipping.  Dipping, by the way, is Noah's newest favorite thing and the easiest way to get him to eat anything- dip it into something else.  His combinations are gross.

For the mommas I decided on Strawberry Heart Oreo Cookies.  I can't say that these cookies are Pintastic because a lot of adjustments were needed, but they certainly aren't Pinterrible either.  The adjustments began early because I don't cook/bake with shortening so I substituted butter.  Maybe this is the reason why other adjustments were needed.  Mixed up my batter, formed my hearts, and baked for 8 minutes.  

Going in the oven

After 8 minutes

Not only were they no longer hearts, they weren't cooked through either.  So I baked for two more minutes and came up with my second adjustment- cookie cutters.  I used a bunch of flour, rolled out the remaining dough, and cut into hearts.  The dough was really sticky but this worked better.

8 minutes with cookie cutter

I used the recipe for the filling but you could easily just use BC/DH cake icing.  In fact, I bought a tub at the store just in case!  The icing recipe was fine with no issues.  I don't trust homemade icing (I think it will turn runny), so I put these cookies in the fridge overnight and took them out a few hours before the playdate.

Strawberry Heart Oreos

I also think the cookies are HUGE and it's very filling, but they are good.  I made 12, salvaging a few of the smaller original circles.

The other thing Noah needed - Valentines!  I saw the 'I Dig You!' Valentines and decided to go with them.  I think this is Pintastic.  I did make some adjustments since we are dealing with 18month old's- no candy.  I bought 6 shovels at Target and used sand colored Alphabet cookies.  We don't have a color printer at home, so even though Stephanie kindly provided her tags for printing, I just made my own.  I think my tags were too big, but I wasn't doing this project twice.  Did I mention Noah's not even 18 months old?  He doesn't need perfect Valentine's ... yet.  I bought cellophane bags, cut them to fit the shovels, a little ribbon... I think they turned out pretty cute (despite the big tags and my lack of crafty skills with the tag designs).  And pretty much right after I finished baking and crafting I figured out that Valentine's Day is not this Tuesday but 12 days away.  Whoops- I hope my playgroup mommas don't think I'm a little overeager!

Noah's Valentine's

And our activity on a mid to high 60 degree day on February 2nd?  About 30 minutes before play group time I decided to pull out our sand and water table from under the deck.  Well okay, I had the Husband do it because who knows what it has crawled in it since October (nothing had crawled in it - super clean in there thanks to the top!).  We filled it up with sand, which we had not done before, and put it on the deck.  Noah wanted to go out and play the minute he saw it and really had a good time despite his two time outs for throwing sand.  He cried this evening when I put the top back on it.  He also was the best Valentine ever.   He happily walked over and handed his friend their treat when I prompted him.  I couldn't have been prouder at how cute he was!  Especially considering he had never seen these Valentine's before...

Viruses & Viral Pins

Someone must have been reading my post about never being home.  Noah has been sick since the weekend and we haven't gone anywhere or done anything!  Really. Sunday we went shoe shopping for me & a quick drop in to see the kitties at PetSmart.  Monday home all day.  Tuesday we ran into Shiki Sushi for takeout at 5pm because I hadn't been grocery shopping.  Wednesday I had to go to the store; so we went there and to our 2nd sick Ped visit ever.  Luckily he just has a cold and it should clear up on it's own, but yes he's still contagious.  I'm disappointed to have to cancel all our plans for the week, but it really hasn't been that bad.  I mean we are a little stir crazy, but the Husband, me, Noah, and Tucker are all still alive so that's a good sign right?

Since Noah was a model patient at the pediatrician and so good while home all I week I wanted to do something fun.  Of course, I turned to Pinterest. And I didn't just run across this pin, it was everywhere.  You know the pins that get repinned by everyone? It was that kind of Viral Pin and now I know why!  Everyone should try Shaving Cream Bathtub Paint.  Look how happy it made my sick boy.

Now one important thing to remember is you have to use Shaving Foam or Cream.  If you use Shaving Gel it comes out in a blue gel and it doesn't work.  I made that mistake last week, so when I went to the store on Wednesday I bought white shaving foaming cream.  I sprayed it in my muffin pan, broke out my Wilson's food coloring, and a silicon pastry brush and to the bath we went.  It's amazing how toddlers know something is going on.  I mean it looked like a baking experiment but the minute I tried to sneak upstairs to get the bath started, Noah was on my heels and crying that he might be left out of the fun.  

I was  a little skeptical because no matter how many times we try and discuss the fact that crayons are not to be tasted, Noah's teeth always end up multicolored by the end of our 5 minutes of coloring time.  But he didn't try to eat the shaving cream at all.  He totally got it and had so much fun!  We will definitely be doing this again- Pintastic, easy, and inexpensive.

Note to parents- the water turns black so you have to do a rinse off and rinse down at the end.  But it did not turn Noah any weird colors.  I don't have any grout in this bathroom, but I could see how it might dye your grout.